The Suffolk County Health Department notified Park Officials that mosquitoes collected at the following parks have tested positive for the West Nile Virus: Blydenburgh County Park (7/30/19 Sample)

There are currently no closings due to the West Nile Virus, please take precautions to limit mosquito bites.

For further information about the activity restrictions at these parks, contact the Parks Department at (631) 854-4949 or by email at scparks@suffolkcountyny.gov.

For information about the West Nile Virus or to report sightings of dead or dying crows and blue jays, contact the Health Department at (631) 853-3000.

About West Nile Virus
West Nile virus is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. West Nile virus can infect humans, birds, horses and other mammals.

Most people infected with West Nile either have no symptoms or experience a mild to moderate illness. People who are older than 60 have the highest risk of becoming severely ill. There is increasing evidence that people with weakened immune systems are also at higher risk.

West Nile season occurs between June and October.

Transmission
West Nile cannot be spread person-to-person through casual contact. In rare cases, the virus has been spread through transfusions of infected blood or transplantations of infected organs.

It is not possible to become infected simply by handling dead birds. If you are disposing of dead birds or other small animals, use gloves and put the carcass in double plastic bags before placing them in a garbage can.

Prevention
Mosquitoes that carry West Nile bite around dusk and dawn. Be sure to protect yourself from mosquitoes by using insect repellent. You can also take steps to reduce mosquitoes around your home.

West Nile is present throughout the U.S. and in other parts of the world. When you travel, check with the local health department to see if West Nile — or any other arboviruses — are present.

Symptoms
Most people infected with West Nile do not develop any symptoms. For those who do become ill, symptoms usually appear between three and 15 days after you are bitten by an infected mosquito.

Mild to Moderate Illness
Some people experience a mild to moderate illness. Symptoms include:

High fever

Headache

Neck stiffness

Muscle weakness

Tremors or shakes

Confusion

Numbness and paralysis

Coma

Severe illness can occur at any age, though people older than 60 are at greater risk. People with certain medical conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease, and people who have received organ transplants, are also at greater risk.

Recovery from severe illness might take several weeks or months. Some patients will have long-term symptoms that affect their lives daily.

Testing
Contact your doctor if you develop West Nile symptoms. Your doctor can conduct a blood test to determine if you are infected with West Nile.

Treatment
There is no treatment for West Nile. Most people who become infected will get better on their own.

People with mild or moderate symptoms should recover completely. Some symptoms may last for weeks. Generic medicine, like acetaminophen, can help relieve symptoms. Speak with your health care provider about what’s best for you.